Andreas Ornithoparcus his Micrologus, or Introduction: containing the art of singing Digested into foure bookes. Not onely profitable, but also necessary for all that are studious of musicke. Also the dimension and perfect vse of the monochord, according to Guido Aretinus. By Iohn Douland lutenist, lute-player, and Bachelor of Musicke in both the Vniuersities. 1609.

The Preface vpon the Diuision of the Worke.

SEeing it is fitter, as an Emperour said, to cast out a few fit things, then to be burdened with many vn∣necessary superfluities, which precept Horace put him in minde of, saying:

Quicquid precipies esto breuis, vt citò dicta, Per cipiant animi dolices, teneant{que} fideles.

What ere thou teach, be short: the learners braine Breefe sawes will quicker take, and best retaine.

Hence it is, that we haue resolued to collect into certaine most short rules, the precepts of Actiue Musicke, if not all, yet the especiall, out of diuers Authours. For to know all things and faile in nothing, is a mark rather of diuine then of humane nature. Now those, whom I herein followed as my leaders, and acknowledge as my speciall Patrons, are these:

For Theoricks	Boëtius Romanus.	For Practicks	Guido Aretinus.
Plutarchus Cheronaeus.	Ioannes pontifex Ro.
Saint Augustine.	Saint Bernard.
Franchinus Gafforus.	Saint Gregorie.
Valla Placentinus.	Berno the Abbot.
Faber Stapulensis.	Ioannes Tinctoris.

Wherefore omitting all needlesse circumlocutions, and affecting short∣nesse, the mother of truth, wee purpose to open all Practick Musick in foure Bookes, for of so many parts it doth consist. The first whereof, shall shew the principles of plaine Song: The next Measurall Song: The third the Accent: The fourth and last the Counterpoint, as it were the gouernour and mother of the rest. The head of each Booke, shall in their places be mentioned, as occasion shall serue.